What you need to know about living well with diabetes. Practical tips on blood sugar control, medications, recipes, exercise tips and a guide to preventing complications.
Type 2 diabetes
Living well with type 2 diabetes
Small steps can have a big impact
You can enjoy a full, vibrant life with type 2 diabetes by actively prioritising your health. There's no one big thing you can do to manage type 2 diabetes, it's about taking a series of small, sustainable steps toward a healthier you. Eating well, exercising regularly, losing weight, having regular check-ups and managing stress can all help keep your type 2 diabetes in check.
Remember, change is hard. So, be kind to yourself and take one positive step at a time.
Tips for living well with diabetes
Check-in with your GP and care team regularly
Your diabetes can change over time so it's important you're monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly, and are in close contact with your GP or care team. Creating and keeping up to date with your annual cycle of care checklist helps reduce your risk of complications.
Eat smart
Enjoying a healthy balanced diet is key to help you prevent health problems like type 2 diabetes. To lower your risk of diabetes, eat a variety of nutritious foods that are low in saturated fat, sugar and salt, and high in fibre. Eat regular meals spread out through the day and be mindful of portion sizes.
Exercise regularly
Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day, can help prevent health problems like type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Try to be active on most, if not all days, do some muscle strengthening work twice a week and avoid sitting for too long. If you're new to exercise, start slowly and build up your fitness over time.
Maintain a healthy weight
Carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle can put you at risk of type 2 diabetes. Losing even small amounts of weight can dramatically reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cut down or stop smoking and vaping
Quitting or cutting back on smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do to protect your health. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 30-40%.
Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
High blood pressure and cholesterol often accompany diabetes, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news is the same healthy habits that reduce your diabetes risk (weight management, eating well, exercising and reducing stress), may also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Telehealth coaching programs
Whether you're living with a medical condition, need support with lifestyle changes, or just want to find a healthier you, we can help. Bupa Telehealth offers personalised programs at no extra cost for Bupa members with eligible hospital cover. Our team of dietitians, qualified nurses and other health professionals can advise, support, and help you make lasting changes to better manage your health.
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Give feedbackThese resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.